There are three things you will want to know about the Bellevue Collection Bellevue Family 4th presented by PACCAR and Puget Sound Energy, and how you can plan for a safe and enjoyable day:

1) The annual July 4 event will provide a full day of fun. The main event runs 2 to 10:30 p.m. at Bellevue Downtown Park, and the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Fun Zone will feature live music presented by Longstride (reggae, rock and groove), Sammy Steele Band (country) and Emerald City Throwdown (dance hits from the ‘60s to today). The festivities will also include a variety of inflatable bounces and free entertainment including Entertain Men Jugglers, Ronald McDonald, Spiderman, Captain America, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, Carbon Yeti, a take-it make-it wooden toy activity. Twenty-two vendors will fill the food court with a variety of international foods. The Bellevue Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors prior to the fireworks display. The event will culminate with a spectacular fireworks show synchronized to a live performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to the Family 4th, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing its Acura of Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk the morning of July 4 to benefit the Seattle Humane Society. Dogs and their humans will be taking a 4k (~2.5 mile) stroll from Ashwood Park through the streets of north downtown and beyond beginning at 9 a.m., with festivities awaiting them upon their return to the park.

2) Visitors should anticipate several street closures to help attendees get home safely and minimize delays. Before the fireworks, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the following streets will be closed near Downtown Park to vehicle traffic: Northeast Fourth Street, from 100th Avenue to Bellevue Way; and 100th Avenue Northeast, from Northeast First to Northeast Fifth Street. After the fireworks, the following roads will close to help drivers leaving downtown:

Detour signs will guide drivers around these closures. Drives are advised to please be patient and polite to help ensure that everyone gets home as quickly and safely as possible. Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection (Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place). Limited parking is also available at the visitors lot at City Hall (450 110th Ave. NE).

Visitors are also encouraged to come early and walk, bike, carpool or take a bus to the event. Comprehensive information about travel options is available at Choose Your Way Bellevue.

3) Safety is important. The Bellevue Fire Department wants to remind Bellevue residents that the sale, use and possession of fireworks are prohibited. This ban has been in effect since 1994 and has significantly reduced the number of fires and injuries common with private fireworks use. The Fire and Police departments have collobrated on a safety message video.

When you visit the event, be aware that dogs and other pets are not allowed in in the park after 2 p.m. In addition, grills, barbecues, camp stoves and other cooking devices are prohibited -- and tents, shelters, canopies or other types of shelters after prohibited after 8 p.m.